Durango to Silverton Train
 

A beautiful and comfortable ride through some stunning scenery

(Pictures to be added soon)

The train from Durango to Silverton is a very attractive steam pulled train. The pretty carriages are painted yellow and are extremely comfortable. At least, the ones we were in were.

There are several classes of coach. The ones we were in had very comfy upholstered seats. Some were like a reclining Parker-Knoll chair. The sash windows lifted to give cool air and clear views of the great scenery.

The train takes about two and a half hours to travel from Durango to Silverton. It was originally built to transport precious metals from mines – hence the appropriately named terminus of Silverton. Now, Silverton is a clean, and spacious town aimed at tourists.

The train arrives a stone's throw from main street. The main street is lined with eating and drinking places and tourist shops. They are not really tacky, however, and contain some lovely art, clothing, and craft items. My partner and I both bought lovely hats – which happened to be Australian! (And made in China...)

Silverton town is one of those towns which looks like a film set. Others include La Veta and Cripple Creek. The houses in Silverton are delightfully designed, many in colonial style, and painted in various bright colours. They look lovely.

So you can easily spend the couple of hours that the train leaves you in Silverton before your return journey.

We actually visited Silverton by car on our way north, as our journey on the Durango-Silverton train was only part-way, from Rockwood to the middle of the woods from where we went 'soaring' or 'zip-lining'. This train – or helicopter – are the only ways to get to Soaring Colorado.

The train stops about half an hour from Durango at Rockwood; but the Rockwood stop is only for people going soaring. So, if you want to take the train to Silverton you have to get on at Durango – even if – like two people we met – you are staying near to Rockwood station.

The Journey 

Anyway, I can only comment on the 40 minutes of the train journey from Rockwood to Soaring Colorado. And let me tell you – that was some 40 minutes! The views as we climbed into the mountains were fantastic. The train slowly winds along tracks cut into the mountain sides, travelling high and low next to rivers, rapids, and chasms. The views are tremendous.

Now and again you see the engine come into view ahead as it winds round a curve you – in the rear carriage – are about to take too.He scenery on this trip is stunning. I thorougly recommend it. If the scenery on the rest of the trip is half as good, it is well worth it. I will take the whole trip in the future. 

There is a bar on the train with beer, hot drinks and light snacks. There is plenty of good food at Silverton when you arrive. Handlebars is deservedly one of the most popular lunchtime destinations in town.

Do enjoy the Durango to Silverton train if you can.